Judy Baar Topinka (b. January 16, 1944) is the Illinois state comptroller. She is the first woman elected to the office and has served since January 2011. Topinka previously served as Illinois Treasurer from 1994 to 2007.[1]

Biography

Topinka has worked as a journalist, founded a public relations firm, served as Public Affairs Executive for the American Medical Association, and has been a public relations advisor to a number of political candidates and organizations.[2]

Education

BS, Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism, 1966

Political career

Illinois Comptroller (2011-Present)

Topinka was elected as Illinois Comptroller in 2010, making her the first woman to hold that position as well as the only woman to be elected to two State Constitutional Offices.[1]

Borrowing

Topinka and Illinois Treasurer-elect Dan Rutherford said they planned to flex their muscle as the state’s fiscal officers, with an aim at Gov. Pat Quinn’s borrowing. Quinn had called borrowing one of his “budget pillars,” yet the state treasurer and comptroller must sign-off on short term borrowing, according to Illinois state law requires.

“I have a number of questions about any type of short term borrowing,” Topinka said. “What will the money be used for, how long will it be out, and is there money for the state to pay it back?”

Topinka said she would not issue blank checks to the governor. Rutherford thinks he has a mandate to be tough and that voters picked Republicans to hold the fiscal offices of the state for a reason.

“[One] thing that I think is going to be impactful is to have people who are willing to articulate what may be a differing opinion on the finances of the state.”

Rutherford said that not all borrowing is bad, but he does worry about Illinois’ mounting debt and the state’s ability to repay what it borrows.[3]

Expired nominations

Eric Madiar, chief legal counsel to Senate President John Cullerton, sent a letter to Baar Topinka in early January 2011, pointing out that 38 gubernatorial nominations expired with the closing of the previous General Assembly, and therefore should not be paid a salary or expenses.

Fifteen salaried and 23 unsalaried positions were up in the air in January 2011, including those of interim Illinois State Police Director Jonathon Monken and interim Illinois Commerce Commission Chair Manuel Flores.

“We in the new Senate cannot take action on that old paperwork. There is no paperwork supporting those individuals to be in office today,” said Madiar.[4]

Criticism for raises

Topinka, along with Illinois TreasurerDan Rutherford, came under criticism in September 2011 for giving pay raises during a fiscal crisis. Topinka gave 56 employees raises of at least 3 percent and several employees raises up to 15 percent. Rutherford gave out 19 raises averaging 16 percent increases. The issue came to light by an analysis of payroll records by the Better Government Association, a Chicago nonprofit group.[5]

Illinois Treasurer (1994-2007)

Topinka was the first woman to serve as Illinois Treasurer. She was also the only Treasurer to be re-elected to three consecutive terms.[1]

Issue positions

"Create a “whistle-blower hotline” for concerned taxpayers and state employees to call and report abuse and waste."

"Enhance the contract and grant review process to stop wasteful spending before it occurs, ensuring that all state contracts are properly bid and awarded."

"Provide more checks and balances on state spending by establishing a process to more thoroughly review contracts and grants before they are approved and payments are made."

Transparency and Accountability:

"Be a tireless fiscal watchdog and taxpayer advocate as keeper of the public checkbook."

"Ensure transparency about state spending and finances through redesigned and more user-friendly public website."

"Publish contractual procurement and grant award information, including the descriptions of deliverables, so the public can review how state money is being spent."

A Renewed Commitment to Service:

"Provide enhanced services to constituents through the creation of a constituent services hotline."

"Assist small businesses, minority and women-owed businesses and businesses that pay a prevailing wage obtain state contracting opportunities by making information about the contract process available free of charge; thereby encouraging greater competition for public contracts to reduce costs and ensure that taxpayers get the highest quality service at the lowest possible price."

"Work to re-establish a rainy day fund to have for use in tough economic times like today."

Campaign donors

Ballotpedia collects information on campaign donors for each year in which a candidate or incumbent is running for election. The following table offers a breakdown of Judy Baar Topinka's donors each year.[8] Click [show] for more information.